Guide to gAyTX Sports

Austin is full of healthy and active people and Austin’s LGBTQ community is no different. Whether you’re an athlete looking to play in an organized league or just want to hang out with like-minded individuals, there’s a place for you in one of Austin’s LGBTQ sports leagues, groups or clubs. We’ve organized the Gay Austin Sports Fair since 2010 and we’ve seen the sports community grow in that time.

BASKETBALL

AUSTIN GAY BASKETBALL LEAGUE

The Austin Gay Basketball League was created to provide a welcoming environment to all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people who are interested in playing basketball, building friendships, and giving back to Austin’s community.

MISSION

Our mission is to offer the Central Texas lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community, and our straight allies, the opportunity to experience and enjoy recreational basketball in a competitive, inclusive, and affirming environment.

COST

We run 2 seasons per year, in Winter and Summer, with a player fee associated with playing in those seasons. The cost varies per season. We also host Open Play nights throughout the year, which is a pickup style game for anyone to come join us. A donation of $2 is welcome for those events.

REGULAR
EVENTS

We also host Open Play nights throughout the year, which is a pickup style game for anyone to come join us. A donation of $2 is welcome for those events.

MAJOR
DATES

Registration for our Winter 2016 Season will run throughout the month of November, with season games starting the 1st full week in January. Registration for our Summer 2016 Season will run throughout April with season games starting in early June.

VOLUNTEER

The AGBL is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We welcome any volunteers or donations. Volunteers can help with game night operations and assisting in social events.

FLAG FOOTBALL

Austin Capitals Flag Football Club

One of Austin’s newest sports clubs, the Austin Capitals brought home their first national championship in the Open B Division at Gay Bowl XVI just months after forming during the summer. The club has regular practices and participates in tournaments around the state and country.

The Austin Capitals after winning the national championship in the Open B Division at Gay Bowl XVI in Washington, D.C. October 2016. / photo credit: Steven Rhea Delgado

KICKBALL

One of the newest sport to be organized within the LGBTQ+ sports community, there are actually TWO different leagues that started up in Austin over the summer. America’s Finest Kickball League (AFKL), which plays on Saturdays, is launching nationwide this year with rollouts across Texas this summer. Varsity Gay League (VGL), which plays on Tuesdays, has been around since 2007 and is primarily based on the West Coast but is currently expanding, including here in Austin.

America’s Finest Kickball League

America’s Finest Kickball League is where fun and competitiveness are taken to a new level. Will your team be the new champions? Sign up today!

MISSION

Our mission is to provide a fun and comfortable environment for LGBT athletes and our allies, that want to play kickball.

COST

$70-$80 per season + $2.50 service fee

REGULAR
EVENTS

Fall 2017 season starts SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2017. Early registration ($70/player + $2.50 service fee) for the season ran through THURSDAY, AUGUST 3. Regular registration ($75/player + $2.50 service fee) runs through MONDAY, AUGUST 14. Late registration ($80/player + $2.50 service fee) closes SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16. Register online.

Varsity Gay League is an all inclusive LGBT Recreational Sports league, established in 2007! We offer year-round outside-the-box activities, games and sporting events with a focus on fun. Everyone is welcome, regardless of experience.

MISSION

It’s our goal to excite and unite the gay and straight community with new ways to play and interact. It’s a great way to make new friends and have a great time! So join the fun!

COST

$60-$65/season + $1.50 fee

REGULAR
EVENTS

Fall 2017 season starts TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2017. Early registration ($60/player + $1.50 service fee) for the season runs from to SUNDAY, AUGUST 20. Regular registration ($65/player + $1.50 service fee) closes SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Register online.

RUNNING

AUSTIN FRONT RUNNERS

We are Austin’s gay and lesbian running club, open to all fitness levels. We have competitive runners and recreational runners–whatever your level, we welcome you

MISSION

The focus of the club is to bring GLBT runners together to support one another and network within our community. We have a great camaraderie and welcome all to the group. We also participate in local running events and may pick one race a month to focus our training. Other than that there is very little competition in the group; we mostly offer one another friendly support.

COST

There is no fee to just come out and run, though if you want to be a member (with a shirt/discounts at running stores/membership events), the cost is $27.50/year.

REGULAR
EVENTS

We run on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00 PM and on Saturdays at 10:00 AM. All runs start under the MoPac brifeg

SOCCER

The Austin Goldstars Soccer Club is a predominantly gay social organization that provides people an opportunity to play and learn soccer in a positive and friendly environment.

MISSION

The Austin Goldstars Soccer Club is a predominantly gay social organization that provides people an opportunity to play and learn soccer in a positive and friendly environment. No one shall be discriminated against on the basis of age, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, handicapping condition, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

Softball Austin paused for a moment of silence for the attack in Orlando and a group picture before its End-of-Season tournament / photo credit: Softball Austin / Facebook

TENNIS

AUSTIN TENNIS CLUB

The Austin Tennis Club is a non-profit organization devoted to promoting tennis and social activities among the Austin-area glbt community. Membership is open to any adult who endorses ATC’s basic purposes, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, or tennis ability. All tennis players and supporters, from beginners to experts, are welcome. Members enjoy discounted or free admission to all ATC tennis activities, access to the ATC membership directory and ladders, and many social opportunities throughout the year.

MISSION

To promote tennis and social activities among the Austin-area LGBT community.

VOLLEYBALL

Volleyball Austin was created to provide a welcoming environment to all LGBT individuals who are interested in playing volleyball, building friendships, and giving back to Austin’s community.

MISSION

Our mission is to offer the Central Texas lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community and our straight allies the opportunity to experience and enjoy volleyball in an inclusive and affirming environment.

COST

Volleyball Austin runs 2 indoor seasons each year, in both the Spring and Fall seasons. These leagues have a player fee associated with playing in our league, which includes team uniforms, at least 7 officiated games, and court time. In addition, we also offer Open Play dates throughout the year, with a cost of approximately $5 per event, with walk on games open to anyone to join.

REGULAR
EVENTS

We offer Open Play dates throughout the year, with a cost of approximately $5 per event, with walk on games open to anyone to join.

MAJOR
DATES

Our Spring 2016 Season will register online during the month of January, with a required Ratings Session for new players. Spring game play begins in late March and runs through late May. Our Fall 2016 Season will register online during the month of July, with a required Ratings Session for new players. Fall game play begins in early September and runs through late November.

VOLUNTEER

Volleyball Austin is now a 501(c)(3) organization, run 100% by volunteers. We welcome any person who would like to donate their money or time, be it through game night operations, assisting in hosting social activities, or in giving back to our community.